Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

Packing* remains a fine balancing act* of weighing an item's usefulness against its poundage.

Would anyone elaborate that part in particular?

Thanks

[bud]

"A fine balancing act" is when it is important to evaluate two or more things in relation to each other. Too much or too little of one is no good, but neither is too much or too little of the other.

This quote could be about a few different things, but let's say it's about packing your suitcases for a long trip. What about that gorgeous black evening dress? Should you pack it? It would take almost an entire suitcase just for that dress. It would add to the weight of the things you have to lug around, as well as to the bulk, and you'd have to pay extra on your plane ticket if your luggage exceeds the weight limit. And will you even have the likelihood of wearing it?

But what if the opportunity does come that you are invited to a formal party? What else could you possibly wear? You certainly will not have enough money to buy a new dress there! And if you did, you'd also have to buy another suitcase to bring it home. And you can't just bring a few pairs of jeans and a few sweaters, can you?..

Ah, what a fine balancing act you have figuring out what to bring on that trip!